The Boomers win in a nail-biter from the heroics of Will Hickey, who nailed a buzzer beater from deep to secure the 79-77 win over the Tall Blacks.
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Here’s how every player on both teams rated.
AUSTRALIAN BOOMERS – PLAYER RATINGS
#1 | Jordan Hunter | 2.0
Played just 2:55 but made the most of it, scoring three points and recording a block. An efficient cameo, but simply didn’t get the minutes.
#4 | Dash Daniels | 2.0
Used his short stint well, grabbing three offensive rebounds in just 3:33. Outside of that, limited impact – but at 17, he’ll have plenty of chances ahead.
#5 | Angus Glover | 7.0
Didn’t score, yet contributed everywhere else. Delivered a highlight alley-oop to Keanu Pinder, collected a game-high five steals, and added four rebounds and three assists. A strong all-round performance.
#6 | Davo Hickey | 8.0
Hit the massive game-winner to seal the victory. A rough first half with early turnovers, but settled into rhythm alongside Nick Kay. Finished with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and an unfortunate eight turnovers – still the hero of the night.
#8 | Alexander Ducas | 1.0
Much like game one, struggled to find his place in his 10:24 of court time. Managed just one rebound across all categories.
#9 | Jaylin Galloway | 7.0
Flashes of “FIBA Galloway” throughout the night. Scored 13 points on seven shots and posted a game-high +14 in a tight contest.
#10 | Ben Ayre | 3.0
Started hot with an assist to Nick Kay and a big three early, but saw limited action after halftime.
#13 | Josh Bannan | 1.0
A tough outing. Picked up three fouls in just 4:29 and never had the chance to get going.
#14 | Jack White | 4.0
Showed his athleticism in patches but endured a frustrating night overall. Logged 16:46 for 5 points, 5 rebounds and a big block on Finn Delany, but never found full rhythm.
#15 | Nick Kay | 9.0
A huge night from the ever-reliable veteran. Tallied 20 points, 9 rebounds and 4 steals while shooting 50% (8/16). Near-perfect from the 33-year-old.
#25 | Keanu Pinder | 9.5
Dominant from start to finish. Exploited the mismatch all night, leading all scorers with 21 points, plus 5 rebounds, 2 steals and an incredible 5 blocks. A monster performance.
#40 | Elijah Pepper | 1.5
Didn’t get enough time to make a real impact. In 4:27 he contributed 2 points, a rebound and a steal – but needs more minutes to get his rhythm.
NEW ZEALAND TALL BLACKS – PLAYER RATINGS
#0 | Carlin Davison | 1.5
Looked frustrated early with missed calls and couldn’t recover from there. The energy was there – pushing the pace whenever possible – but in just 8:57, he never found rhythm.
#2 | Izayah Le’Afa | 3.0
Started red-hot with two threes and two assists in the opening quarter. Fell into foul trouble afterwards, but used his veteran smarts to stay physical and make life difficult for the Boomers.
#3 | Finn Delany | 5.0
A nightmare start with four turnovers and no points in the first quarter, but settled in as the game wore on. Finished with 8 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Always aggressive going downhill and relentless off the ball – a solid night overall.
#4 | Jackson Ball | DNP
#5 | Taylor Britt | 1.0
A tough one. Looked like he was still carrying something from game one and never appeared fully comfortable. Logged 18:58 with two assists and no points. One to forget.
#6 | Taine Murray | 4.5
Showed impressive composure for a player so early in his career. Played aggressively and hustled hard, even ripping down a huge offensive board over Keanu Pinder. Ended with 6 points, 3 rebounds and a steal.
#7 | Mojave King | 7.5
A strong bounce-back from game one. Posted 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in a complete performance. Attacked the baseline with real intent – one of New Zealand’s best on the night.
#8 | Sam Mennenga | 8.0
Instant impact. Scored an and-one moments after checking in, and then delivered two highlight-reel dunks. Finished with 16 points and 6 rebounds and continues to produce a career-best season.
#10 | Yanni Wetzell | 6.5
Another under-the-radar but highly effective outing. In just 17:28, he tallied 8 points, 7 rebounds (four offensive) and a steal. Plays his role perfectly – constant motor, constant screens, constant effort.
#11 | Flynn Cameron | 5.5
Below his usual standard. Foul trouble kept him sidelined early and he struggled to regain rhythm. Still produced some strong moments – including an and-one over Jaylin Galloway – but finished with 8 points, 3 rebounds and 5 turnovers.
#16 | Tohi Smith-Milner | 3.0
Limited to 8:29 but competed hard, as always. Posted 4 points, 3 rebounds and an assist, and used his size well to bring physicality against the Boomers.
#24 | Tyrell Harrison | 7.0
Could’ve had a monster outing with more minutes, but still delivered great value in his 14:11. Recorded 6 points, 8 rebounds (four offensive) and 3 blocks. Extremely efficient.